When plants collaborate-

”Problems cannot be solved with the same mindset that created them” - Albert Einstein

To change my mindset I have to change how I see. For years I have seen through a mechanistic mindset. Observing the growth of Symbiosis these past years has given me a new perspective. When I step back and consider what else might be happening, what can I see if I consider natural systems as opposed to purely industrial systems? A whole new world of thought and possibilities unfolds.

I see that nature is a master collaborator, as proven by the Rudbeckia hirta and Passiflora incarnate duo.

Planted close together, the vine quickly sought support from the stout-stemmed Susan, needy for sun, but lacking the strength to reach it alone. The black eyed Susan, not threatened, seems to welcomed the addition, together they twined and grew - now standing not two but four feet tall. Conventional thought sees the vine as overcoming the flower, but in reality, they are just two plants working together, building a structure that is maximizing photosynthesis and basking in the sun while providing protective habitat small life dwelling in the area.

A lesson for us all - Collaboration can truly conquer all. The fiery skipper seems to agree.

Earth Moves - almost didn’t

Done! My gloves are proof. For weeks, my schedule was jam-packed with proposals and large-scale projects that needed my attention. Amidst all the chaos, I was also starting a brand new sculpture for the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs' Earth Day Celebration. I thrive when I can hyper-focus, but this time I almost let something slip through the cracks. "Earth Moves" was in danger of being incomplete by the deadline. With less than a week left to finish, I knew I had no choice but to push myself harder than ever before. I woke up at 5:00 am every day and worked tirelessly until 4:00 pm, without taking a lunch break. I felt every muscle in my arms and shoulders ache, but the feeling of being fully present and working towards something important was truly exhilarating. I couldn't disappoint Necole Irvin and let "Earth Moves" fall short of its potential. After countless hours of welding and crafting, today the sculpture was finally installed on the 3rd floor of the Julia Ideson Library. The end result is a, call for action work of art made from welded steel, lath, indigenous clay, grass, and glass beads. It was a true labor of love that I poured every ounce of myself into. #earthday @lanolalady #mayorsofficeofculturalaffairs #houstonmayor #cindeeklementart #work #gloves #drive

Rumblings - Agapostemon virescens

Agapostemon virescens lead a very unique lifestyle - living in underground communal nests, with up to 30 individual females sharing the same space. These tricolored metallic bees have an intricate defense system which consists of assigning roles; while some female bees explore and gather food, at least one always stays behind as gatekeeper! Interestingly enough, this species cleverly protects their nest from predators by making sure that they always has someone on guard duty.

During late-July to early-August, a second generation of A. virescens emerges that is both male and female. With no place in their natal nests for the males to go, they seek shelter elsewhere - hosting bee slumber parties where huddles are formed! The females take advantage of this time by sipping on flowers like New England aster, goldenrods and sneezeweed so as to survive winter without having any need build nests or lay eggs during fall season. Sadly though when temperatures drop these mated females enter hibernation while males die selflessly protecting them until spring arrives again next year.

Symbiosis Celebration — Performance Art — incorporating economics and fashion.

My research into fast fashion for my bison sculpture’s new location in an old Forever 21 has me dreaming of a unique, symbolic sculpture for my latest social sculpture endeavor, Symbiosis Celebration. I searched the resale online sites for a used/vintage acrylic bag. A simple bag, sculptural in shape, that I would fill with the large bills and dead butterflies in the Eco-System piece in my 2022 portfolio. However, as I explored acrylic vintage bags and thought about how to intertwine fashion to elevate my Symbiosis Celebration work, an idea was born. I discovered the Hermes-designed clear acrylic tote that originated during the 1996 Paris terror attacks as a tribute piece and in response for the lives lost in that tragic event and the follow-up tote for the 1997 'Hermès Souvenir de l’Exposition. The underside reads ‘Un Voyage au Pays de Merveilles’, which translates to ‘A Trip to Wonderland’.

The trip to wonderland' is the inspiration for my new work - but with a new Anthropocene symbolism behind it.

I will wear the iconic clear vintage purse filled with drop-dead gorgeous dead butterflies and large bills to the Lawndale's upcoming brunch, where my living sculpture Symbiosis is and where my idea for urban eco-tourism was born; this recycled wonderland bag promises to draw attention with a new purpose and all thanks to its meaningful content and viral hashtag potential! When Symbiosis Celebration takes off, truly the world will transform into Wonderland the Hermes team dreamed of.

On a side note, my brief research into Hermes revealed they are and have been a leader in eco concious slow fashion.

Me in my closet deciding how and what to wear with the Hermes tote. Imagine it full of bills and butterflies. I could not decide whether to go minimalist or put my best fashion foot forward. So I decided to consult with one of my favorite edgy and fashion-forward textiles artist and fashionista, Loren Siems, and Houston’s Kick Pleat team.

Wish me luck.

At the event

Image by Laura Bolton.

At the event

Image by Laura Burlton